Exclusive interview about Code Enterpeises LLP

With a handful of recyclers in the cigarette waste sector worldwide, we deal in the world’s largest littered item. . Code Enterprises LLP comprises of a chain of approximately 5 to 7 MSMEs as a bunch with a 20x growth rate today.

Please provide a brief overview of your initiative ?

Our business model is to manage and recycle cigarette waste into various by-products in the most environmentally responsible manner. We use our own chemical composition for recycling the waste which is confidential to maintain USP of the firm. Our by-products include organic compost powder (made from leftover tobacco and paper covering) for plantations, nurseries, etc. as well as VMAKE (cushions, garlands, accessories, etc. made from the recycled polymer.) Our by-products come under the general product category but have a lesser market rate due to low manufacturing costs giving us a competitive edge over the existing businesses. With pollution at its peak, the Indian society has always been supportive towards the cause and switched to a better way of cigarette waste disposal. At Code, our team and customers believe in doing his/her bit towards clean living and sustainability.

Who is behind Initiative?

I (Naman Gupta) come from a middle class family of intellectual persons living in Noida, U.P. I am a B.Com graduate from Delhi University by education and started Code Enterprises LLP as my future endeavour in November 2015 to bring about a change in the Indian recycling sector. My business partner (Vishal Kanet) is a 26 year old professional photographer with an experience of 1-2 years prior to Code.

What is the inspiration behind?

My family has always been the sole mentor monetarily as well as non-monetarily towards the business prospect. I seek to resolve the irregular management in the Indian waste sector because there are no Indian laws regarding cigarette waste management and recycling till date.

What was the most challenging part of your journey till now? How did you overcome these challenges?*

Lack of knowledge and initiative regarding cigarette waste was a major setback for the organisation. Procurement of raw material was next to impossible due to irregular Indian laws and practices regarding waste management as well as a mixed response from the market. We targeted cigarette vendors, smokers, offices, rag pickers, etc. for generating the stock worldwide. Market rates of Rs. 250/ Kilogram is an incentive provided to every person who is willing to contribute to the cause by supplying the cigarette waste and cleaning the surroundings for good. Till date, various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) as well as business events (WEBIT, SEETalks, etc.) have provided the firm with a good customer base. Also, videos as well as articles across 25+ local and national media houses have boosted our visibility in the worldwide market. We provide PAN India business associations to individuals, corporates, etc. to manage and supply the cigarette waste from their assigned districts to our recycling unit on a contractual basis. Today, we have 50+ associates covering approximately 100+ districts across India. At the ground level, 10,000+ VBins have been installed for collecting the cigarette waste and 5,000+ individuals have generated income and employment from the cause.

How you think your initiative could change the society/industry.?*

In India, we exercise monopoly over cigarette waste management and recycling sector with operations across 20 states within 2 years. With huge public, customer(s) and social media support towards the innovation; I would request the Indian government to act upon the issue with a broader perspective and/or a sustainable alternate in the coming year(s). Indian Railways and India Post services are the partakers for our smooth as well as systematic operations.

What are your plans for next 3 years?

We provide a solution to a problem which has gone unnoticed till years. Our future plan is to scale up the production and sales of the running by-products to attain profitability by 2020. Our vision is to manufacture air-purification systems applicable for chimneys, etc. in the coming years.

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